Have you heard of Christ’s Method of Ministry?

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.
The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good.
He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs,
and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
– Ministry of Healing, p. 143

We Don’t Need a New Method—We Need His

The church is full of strategies, campaigns, and formulas for outreach.
But despite our best intentions, many people remain unreached and untouched—not because we lack activity, but because we often lack authenticity. Jesus doesn’t need us to invent a new way. He’s already shown us the only method that brings true success.

Ellen White’s powerful quote from Ministry of Healing lays out a clear, five-step model for how Jesus reached hearts. Let’s explore this divine method through Scripture and real-life application.

1. Christ Mingled with People as One Who Desired Their Good

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” – John 1:14
“This man receives sinners and eats with them.” – Luke 15:2

Jesus didn’t shout from heaven. He moved into the neighborhood. He went to weddings, feasts, homes, markets, and villages. He wasn’t waiting in the synagogue for seekers—He was seeking them.

What This Means Today:

Discipleship begins with connection. If we’re not mingling with people outside our church circles, we’re not following Jesus' method.

Practical Ways to Live This:

• Attend community events with no agenda but friendship.

• Be a regular at local coffee shops or parks—get to know people by name.

• Join a club, team, or volunteer group where non-believers are.

• As a church, don’t just invite the neighborhood—become part of it.

2. He Showed His Sympathy for Them

“When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion…” – Matthew 9:36
“We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize…” – Hebrews 4:15

Jesus didn’t just see people—He felt for them. His heart broke for the lonely, the poor, the broken, the wandering. Compassion wasn't a side emotion; it was the engine of His ministry.

What This Means Today:

True sympathy requires slowing down to really listen and understand others—especially those who differ from us.

Practical Ways to Live This:

• Practice active listening—put the phone down, look them in the eye.

• Sit with someone grieving without needing to fix them.

• Visit someone who’s homebound or discouraged and simply be present.

• Teach your kids or youth group to “walk in someone else’s shoes.”

3. He Ministered to Their Needs

“He went about doing good and healing…” – Acts 10:38
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – James 2:17

Jesus met people where they hurt. He gave sight, food, peace, forgiveness, and dignity. His acts of mercy opened doors to truth.

What This Means Today:

Before preaching, we must serve. People don’t care what we know until they know we care.

Practical Ways to Live This:

• Offer job coaching, financial guidance, or tutoring as a church.

• Organize a health expo or food bank for your community.

• Carry “blessing bags” with essentials in your car to give to the homeless.

• Support a local school or shelter with regular acts of kindness.

4. He Won Their Confidence

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you… then you will win favor…” – Proverbs 3:3-4
“Zacchaeus… received Him joyfully.” – Luke 19:6

Trust is built slowly, but it’s essential for discipleship. Jesus didn’t just swoop in and leave—He was consistent, reliable, and genuine. People knew they could count on Him.

What This Means Today:

Discipleship isn’t just one-time interactions—it’s long-term relationships rooted in trust.

Practical Ways to Live This:

• Be consistent in your friendships. Keep your word.

• Follow up with people after helping them—show ongoing care.

• Don’t rush the process—spiritual growth takes time.

• Let people see your own brokenness. Vulnerability builds trust.

5. Then He Bade Them, ‘Follow Me’

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” – Luke 9:23

Jesus wasn’t afraid to make clear calls. But He didn’t begin with demands—He built relationships, met needs, and earned trust before inviting people into the life-changing journey of discipleship.

What This Means Today:

Evangelism is not manipulation. It’s invitation. It flows from love, not pressure.

Practical Ways to Live This:

• Invite someone you’ve served or befriended to explore the Bible with you.

• Use Discovery Bible methods that encourage open discussion.

• Host a simple meal + message night where gospel truth is shared gently.

• Challenge believers to invite others not to church only—but to follow Jesus with them.

The Result: True Success

Jesus’ method is not quick. It’s not flashy. It’s not measurable by short-term numbers.
But it brings true success because it transforms hearts, builds disciples, and reveals the character of Christ.

Your Turn: Where Are You in the Method?

• Are you mingling with people outside your faith community?

• Are you truly showing sympathy—or just offering advice?

• Are you ministering to real needs around you?

• Have you built relationships of trust that lead to open hearts?

• Are you courageously inviting others to follow Jesus?

Take a moment and pick one of these five steps to focus on this week.

“Discipleship and evangelism are not events—they’re a lifestyle.”

Final Challenge

Pray this prayer:

“Jesus, teach me to reach people the way You did. Let Your method become my lifestyle. Help me see others as You do. Send me to someone who needs love, not just a lecture. In Your name, amen.”